On a historic Monday, December 28, 1885, a seminal event unfolded in Bombay that would irrevocably alter the course of Indian history. The first session of the Indian National Congress commenced, bringing together a diverse group of 72 delegates from across the subcontinent. This gathering, held at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, marked the formal birth of an organization destined to lead the nation's struggle for independence from British rule.
The Founders and the Historic Gathering
The session was convened by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, who is widely regarded as one of the principal founders of the Congress. The esteemed Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee presided over this inaugural meeting, setting a precedent for democratic deliberation. The delegates, though small in number, represented a significant cross-section of educated Indian professionals, including lawyers, teachers, and journalists. Their primary objective was not initially to demand outright independence, but to create a platform for civic and political dialogue with the British Raj, addressing Indian grievances and advocating for greater representation in governance.
Objectives and the Early Vision
The early Congress positioned itself as a loyal opposition, seeking reform within the framework of the British Empire. The key aims articulated during that first session included fostering friendship among nationalist political workers, developing and consolidating a shared national identity, and presenting popular demands before the government through petitions and resolutions. This moderate approach focused on constitutional agitation and aimed to voice concerns on issues like civil service examinations, legislative council reforms, and economic policies affecting Indians.
Despite its modest beginnings and reformist stance, the very act of creating a pan-India political body was revolutionary. It planted the seeds of a collective national consciousness that would grow in strength and radicalism over the subsequent decades. The Congress provided a crucial training ground for a generation of leaders who would later challenge colonial authority directly.
The Lasting Legacy and Transformation
The significance of December 28, 1885, cannot be overstated. From this foundational meeting, the Indian National Congress evolved into the primary vehicle of the Indian freedom movement. It transformed from a forum of petitions into a mass movement under the leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose. The demands shifted from seeking a place within the Empire to calling for 'Purna Swaraj' or complete self-rule.
The annual Congress sessions became major national events, shaping political discourse and mobilizing millions. The organization's journey mirrors India's own path to sovereignty—starting with moderated dialogue and culminating in a determined, non-violent revolution that captured the world's imagination. The first session in Bombay was the spark that ignited a political awakening, proving that a united voice could eventually dismantle an empire.
Today, the date stands as a monumental landmark in the annals of modern Indian history. It commemorates the moment when Indians began to systematically articulate their political aspirations on a national stage, setting in motion a chain of events that led to the birth of the world's largest democracy on August 15, 1947.
